Montefollonico

It is a typical Tuscan hamlet, protected on the top of a hill from which it is possible to admire the profiles of Montepulciano, Monticchiello, and Pienza. on the clearest days even Montalcino is visible in the distance. Montefollonico was once a fortified castle which marked the border of the Republic of Siena. Cut out from the main traffic routes, it has preserved unimpaired through the centuries not only its structure but its atmosphere as well. Still today, all around Montefollonico stretches the same landscape reproduced in the paintingS of the great Tuscan Renaissance. Montefellonico therefore is not only the ideal spot from which to visit one of the most beautiful regions in the world, but also the launching pad for a voyage back in time and history.

Pienza (12 minutes drive)

Pienza is a small Renaissance jewel in the heart of Tuscany, in the centre of one of the most beautiful areas of Italy, rich in art. Pienza has been recognized by the UNESCO as a "world patrimony of mankind". It is an ideal destination for a short stay, a relaxing vacation spent between culture and gastronomy, or for a weekend spent discovering a lost way of life, in the centre of a perfectly preserved region.

San Quirico (20 minutes drive)

An enchanting hamlet definitely worth visiting, whose surroundings offer a  delightful series of unexpected and suggestive surprises. The area of San Quirico is without doubt one of the most fascinating of the Orcia Valley, rich in history, places, monuments and atmosphere which will leave you breathless. Still visited by a very select clientele, it offers small jewels of hospitality and gastronomy, in a welcoming atmosphere of efficiency and simplicity which you will certainly appreciate.

Montalcino (35 minutes drive)

It is a beautiful town worth seeing leisurely and carefully. it is best reached via the ancient roman consular road called the via Cassia. The perfect place to spend a weekend fully immersed in the magical atmosphere of the Tuscan countryside. the cuisine is exquisite and you will have the opportunity to visit the vineyards where one of the most famous wines of the world is produced: Brunello. A wine now so in demand that it is sold five years before it is produced. Bottles of the best vintages routinely fetch high prices at auctions held at Christie's and Sotheby.

Siena (50 minutes drive)

The city of the Virgin and of the Balzana. Black and White. A city scarcely more disposed to  half-measures than its heraldic symbol, Siena is passionate and contemplative, always uphill and downhill, light and dark. From the steepest and narrowest lanes suddenly appears the color red of Piazza del Campo in its blinding beauty. In the alleys, in the museums and in the oratories of the contrada's propitiatory songs of the Palio  recall ancient rites and modern allegories, while in the evening the shuffling of soles on the deserted pavement  provides counterpoint to the stillness of the green valleys providentially protected, centuries in advance towards the times, within the walls. The Duomo and the extraordinary view of the Facciatone, the Hall of the Pellegrinaio in Santa Maria della Scala, The Piccolomini Library and the prestigious Accademia Chigiana- great spaces in the Medici fortress, which in its inner sanctum the Enoteca Italiana, hides the most precious wines of Siena, of Tuscany and of the whole peninsula.  Fragrant trattorias, spiced cakes, the sounds of craftsmen working, splashing fountains. Fontebranda and the mystery of the Diana, the mythical underground river of Siena. The geometrical alchemies of Piazza Del Campo, neo Gothic and popular catharsis. That is why the famous inscription on Porta Camollia quotes "cor magis tibi Siena pandit"- "more than its doors Siena opens its heart to you".

Perugia (50 minutes drive)

Perugia is a very ancient city which rose to the height of its power during the Etruscan period. conquered by the Romans and invaded by the BarbarianS after the fall of the Empire, it became a free Comune in the 11th century, gaining great power and splendour between the 13th and 14th century. After a dark period of civil wars, in 1540 it was conquered by Paolo Farnese III and remained under the dominion of the Church until  1860 when it joined the Italian State. Nowadays Perugia is a beautiful art centre, chief town of the Umbria Region and seat of a famous University with an animated town centre rich in palaces and beautiful monuments, where many cultural and artistic events take place.